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Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar is poised to claim his fourth Tour de France title as the race culminates in Paris on Sunday, following a dominant performance over 21 days.
The final stage traditionally features a parade into the French capital and a sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées.
This year, however, organisers have added a unique twist: the route will weave through the narrow, cobbled lanes of north Paris’s Montmartre neighbourhood, echoing a much-celebrated route from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This detour could encourage a long-range attack, and Pogacar, the champion-in-waiting, has hinted he might target a stage win there.
“We’ll see what happens and how the legs are,” the Slovenian remarked after Saturday’s stage.
The 21st and final stage spans 132 km, from Mantes-la-Ville to the Champs-Élysées, and includes three ascents of Montmartre. Large crowds are expected to gather, celebrating what has been a memorable edition of cycling’s most prestigious stage race.
Barring an unforeseen fall on the final day, the top three positions are secured, largely due to Pogacar’s commanding performance on two Alpine ascents. There, he ultimately overcame any remaining challenge from Danish rival Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma), who, despite a brave effort, settled for second place.
A Tour Defined by Dominance and Emerging Talent
While the rivalry between Pogacar (Tour winner in 2020, 2021, and 2024) and Vingegaard (victor in 2022 and 2023) was a key storyline, this Tour also showcased a new wave of emerging stars during a barnstorming first week.
Notably, Florian Lipowitz, 24, holds third place overall, marking Germany’s strong return to the Tour, fueled by Red Bull’s entry into professional cycling.
He faced stiff competition from 22-year-old Scot Oscar Onley, whose consistent riding propelled him to fourth overall; five of Onley’s Picnic–PostNL teammates originated from the same youth team.
Ireland’s Ben Healy secured a stage win and spent two days in the yellow jersey, with his heroic near-miss on Mont Ventoux likely earning him the public’s combativity prize.
The return of Dave Brailsford to Ineos Grenadiers from Manchester United was overshadowed by Italian powerhouse Filippo Ganna’s early withdrawal due to a concussion after a fall on stage one.
Despite this, Brailsford’s strategic prowess shone through, with Dutch climber Thymen Arensman executing successful attacks in both the Pyrenees and the Alps.
Another Dutch rider, Mathieu van der Poel, lit up the first week, winning stage two and wearing the yellow jersey twice. France’s sole and unexpected stage win came on the lunar-like summit of Mont Ventoux, courtesy of Valentin Paret-Peintre.
Ultimately, the 2025 Tour de France will be predominantly remembered for Pogacar’s comprehensive dominance.
He secured stage wins on varied terrains: rolling runs in the north and west at Rouen and the Mur de Bretagne in the first week, followed by mountain stages in the Pyrenees at Hautacam and Peyragudes in week two.
As the Tour neared its conclusion, Pogacar shifted from his usual attacking style to skillfully manage his lead through the Alps.
Vingegaard’s two off days—first during a long time trial and then on the demanding Hautacam climb—were enough for Pogacar to assert his control and maintain it to the finish.
